Mining apparatus



Apia 3, 1923 Y EASQMDS E. c. MORGAN MINING APPARATUS Original Filed June 17, 1916 5 sheets-sheet l Apr. 3, 1923.

- I mswm V E; c. MORGAN 1 MINING APPARATUS 5 shee'ts sheet 2 Original Filed June' 1'7,

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. A os, 1923'. 1,45%03 E. C. MORGAN MINING APPARATUS Original Filed Jufie l'F, 1916. 5 sheets-sheet 15 heets-Sheet 4 E. -C. MORGAN MINING APPARATUS' Original Filed June 1'7, 1916 Apr. 3, 1923.

Llllll JiwawZd/kryqn Apro y l l I E. C. MORGAN MINING APPARATUS Original Filed June 17, 1916 5 shee ts-sheet 5 uuuuuumm' Patented Apr. 3, 1923.

UNITED STATES EDMUND C. MORGAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

MINING APPARATUS.

Application filed J'une 17,-1916,.Seria1 No. 104,174. Renewed February 18, 1921. Serial No. 448,426.

mechanism previously employed. The invention is exemplified in the combination.

and arrangement of parts shown in thoraccompanying drawings and described in ,the following specification and it is more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings Fig.- 1 is a horizontal sectional view through aportion of a coal mine showing One embodiment of the present invention in operative posit-ion; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view on line 2-2 of Fig. 1 but showing a part of the mechanism in a different relative position than that which is occupied in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view on 33 of Fig. 1; I

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of line ' the mechanism shown 1n Fig. 3;

Fig.5 is a vertical sectional view on line 55 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of a mine prop shifting mechanism forming a part of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view of a special form of mine prop forming a part of the present invention, the section being taken on line 77 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view on line 88 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view on line 99 of Fig. 7; p i Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the mine prop base with the lifting head removed;

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view on line 1111 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is a horizontal sectional view on line 1212 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is a vertical sectional view through a'portionof a coal mine showing a modified form of the invention in operative position;

Fig. jet is a top plan view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 13;

'Figs. 15 and 16. are sectional details of portions of the mechanism shown in Fig. 14; and H I Fig. 17 is a-diagrammatic vertical sectional' view on line -17-+17 of Fig. 14.

An-rxpensivfeature of coal mining, and one which is becoming more and more costly each year, is thetimbering of the mine to support the earth above the mine vein in such a way as to'permit the removal of a maximum amount of 'coal Without endangerin'g the lives of the operators. In the present invention means is provided to remove; coal rapidly from the portion of the mine being worked so that the mining operation can be concentrated, thus avoiding the necessity for supporting a great expanse of mine roof in order that the output of a mine may reach the desired quantity during a given period. When provision is made for rapid operation better constructed mine props can be used than where it i's necessary to keep open extensive chambers for long periods of time. Where the present invention is used the work moves rapidly from one portion of the vein to another and the mine props are shifted as the work. progresses so that a comparatively small number of props will do the same amount of work as a very much greater number does under the old methodof mining, thus mak- .ing it possible to use props of-better conabove the-mine has had time to settle sufiici'ently to bring the maximum pressure on the roof above the chamber where the work is going on. In a great many mines, moreover, the floor and roof of the mine are quite hard when thechamber is first opened but becomes soft and muddy after the chamber has been left open for some time, thus making the operation more difficult and dangerous and destroying the effectiveness of the mine props. Where mining is conductedaccordingto the present invention the operation is completed and the apparatus moved on to another location before this softening of the roof and floor takes place. Thus the mechanism constituting the present invention which provides for rapid concentrated operation removes many of the diiiiculties and dangers heretofore incident to coal mining. Another advantage of the present mechanism is that it makes- I the direction of the entries as the mining operation progresses. Located in the cross entry is a main frame 3 which preferably extends a distance corresponding to the combined width of two pillars. This frama-as shown in Fig. 5, consists of a pair of plates 4 and 5 positioned one upon the other and having spacing bars 6 and 7 respectively at the edges thereof. The frame 3 is made up of a series of sections, the sections of the plates 4- and 5 being arranged to lap joints so that a continuous rigid frame is thus formed. An endless flight conveyor 8 is "mounted to travel over the plates 4: and 5,

the upper run of the conveyor resting on the plate 4 and the lower run on the plate 5. The conveyor 8 is made in two sections, each section being driven by amotor 9 1) and operating to carry material toward the central entry 2. As shown in Fig. 2 the conveyors 8 are arranged to discharge on .130 a central conveyor 10' arranged at right angles to the main frame3, and operating on a frame work 11 which is formed rigidly with the main frame 3. The conveyor 10 is arranged to dischar e into a low car 12 which runs on a trac 13 in the central entry 2. A base plate 14 is connected with the frames 3 and 11 and supports a motor 15 by which the conveyor 10 is driven. Side plates 16 and 17 are provided at the edges of the conveyor 8 to prevent material carried by the conveyor from falling therefrom.

As shown in Fig. 1 the main from 3 is continued at each end to provide a platform 18 on which is mounted a drum 19 driven by a motor 20. This construction is shown more clearly in Figs. 3 and a; The drum is connected to the motor 20 by worm gearing enclosed in casing 21 and spur gearing enclosed in casing 22. Cables 23 are wound upon the drums and the ends of the cables 23 are carried forwardly in the entries 2 and secured to anchor jacks 24. The jacks 24, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4:. comprise a truck 25 supported by wheels 26 and having a jack standard 27 splined within an opening which passes through the center of the frame. A heavy coil spring 28 normally supports the jack with a spiked foot 29 abovethe ground level. An internally threaded hand wheel 30 rests upon the upper end of the standard '27 and has threaded therein a lifting bar 31 provided at. its upper end with a spiked head 32. The lifting bai'31 is splined to the interior of the standard 27. \Vhen the bar 31 is lowered and there is no pressure on the jack to force the foot 29 into contact with the floor of the mine chamber the jack may be freely moved on its truck from place to place within the chamber. lVhen the jack is properly located the hand wheel 30 is rotated to force the head 32 into contact with the roof of the mine. This in turn brings pressure upon the standard 27 which forces the standard against the pressure of the spring 28 into contact with the floor of the mine chamber. In this way the jack is firmly locked into position, the spikes in the base and head preventing any lateral movement of the jack. lVhen the jacks are thus secured and it is desired to advance the main frame 3 toward the face of the mine vein being worked it is only necessary to operate the motors 20 to wind the cables 23 upon the drums 19 which operation draws the entire frame 3, together with the centralconveyor 10, forwardly nearer the face of the pillars being worked. The frame 3 is always held from backward movement by the cables 23 since the drums are locked by their worm drives from reverse rotation.

The mine roof over the portion of the chamber being worked is supported on one side by the pillars 1 and on-the other side by a series of specially designed supports or props. These props. as shown in Fig. 1, are arranged side by side to form a substantial v continuous support in the rear of the frame 3. The props 35, as shown in Figs. (3 to 12 inclusive, are specially designed to cooperate with the other portions of the invention. Each prop comprises a base 36 having a standard 37 fitted into the upper surface thereof. The standard 37 is provided with an interior chamber 38 in which a supply of liquid 39 is contained. A lifting head 40 is fitted over the upper portion of the standard 37 and is arranged to slide vertically thereon. Packing 41 is held in place by a plate 42 and lag screws 4:3 and forms a tight sliding fit between the head 40 and the standard 37. Removable plates 44 are provided for adjusting the height of the pro 3 to various thicknesses of mine veins. i-i pump, shown best in Fig. 9, is provided for forcing liquid from the chamber 39 into the chamber 45 formed by the head 40 and the standard 37. to give a comparatively slight but powerful lift to the mine prop. This pump consists of a reciprocating plunger 46 arranged to operate in an opening 47 in the hydraulic discharge it into the chamber 45, thus forcing the head 40 upwardly under powerful hydraulic pressure. At the side of the prop opposite the pump a second communication is provided between the chambers 39 and 45 which consists of passages 53 and 54 controlled bya hand valve 55. 'When it is-desired to lower the head 40 it is only necessary to open the valve 55 and the liquid in the chamber 45 will then flow back into the chamber 39 permitting the head 40 to descend. The plunger 46 is'provided with a T head 56 by means ofv which it is operated,

a-nd the base 36 is provided with a eye 57 by means of which the prop is shifted from place to place by mechanism to be described.

The mine prop mechanism illustrated in Figs. 7 to 12, inclusive, is covered by claims in my co-pending application, Serial No. 587,188, filed September 9, 1922, as a division of application, Serial No. 70,341, filed January 5, 1916, particularly with respect to the multiple fluid chambers and the means for controlling the flow of fluid from one chamber to the other.

As themining operation progresses and the frame 3 is moved forwardly it is necessary, of course, to shift the props 35 from time to time to advanced positions. Since these props are very powerful and heavy it is necessary to provide power-driven mechanism for this purpose. Vhen a prop is shifted the head must first be lowered to relieve the pressure and thus release the prop and after it has been moved into this new position the hydraulic pump must be operated to again force the head of the jack into supporting contact with the mine roof. To perform these operations platforms or cars 60 are arranged to travel along the rear face of the frame 3 and these are provided with mechanism for operating the props. As shown best in Fig. 5, the rear conveyor wall 17 secured to the frame 3 is provided at its upper edge with a rearwardly projecting plate 61 having a downwardly extending flange 62. The wall 17 has also connected therewith near the floor line of the mine chamber a second rearwardly extending plate 63 provided with an upwardly extending flange 64. A series of rollers 65 are arranged to run on the track formed by the plate 63 and "flange 64 and these rollers are secured to and support the'car 60. A second series of upright rollers 66 are arranged to -ers 46.

bear against the flange 62 to hold the car from tipping downwardly. The two flanges 62 and 64 resist any rearward pull that may be exerted upon the traveling car platform. The car 60 is made of two sections 67 and 68 held together by bolts 68. The section 67 provides a platform upon which the operatormay ride and the section 68 is arranged to support the operating mechanism. These sections are made separable so that their position relative to one another may be reversed when desired for a purpose which will later appear.

Mounted on the portion 68 of the latform '60 is a motor 69 geared to a sha t 70 by spur gearing enclosed in a gear casing 71. The motor'69 is a two-speed reversible motor governed by a controller 69 mounted on the platform 68, as shown in Fig. 6. Secured-to one end of the shaft 70 is a crank 72 provided with a pitman rod 73.-

The end of the pitman rod 73 carries a head 74 having a notch 75 therein arranged to be moved into and out of engagement with pins 76 ofthe T head 56 carried by the plungers 46 of the props 35. The head 74 is moved intoand out of engagement with the plungers 46 by means of a link 77 having a slot 78 in the upper end thereof which cooperates with a man rod 73. The .slot 78 is of sufficient length to permit reciprocation of the rod 73. by the crank 72. The lower end of the link 77 is pivoted to an arm 80 secured to a rock- .shaft 81 journaled on the platform 68 and having av hand lever 82 by which the shaft may be rocked to move. the pitman rod 73 into and out of engagement with the plunglVhen connection is established between the pitman rod 73 and one of the plungers and the motor 69 is operated the plunger will be reciprocated to cause up ward movement of the head of the particular mine prop with which the apparatus is connected. lVhen the handle 82 is moved to lift the pitman rod 73 out of engagement with the plunger the motor 69 may be operated, the pitman rod 73 being held upwardly by the link 77 and permitted to reciprocate back and forth without effecting movement of any other parts.

Mounted in bearings 85'on the platform 68 is a winding drum 86 to which a cable 87 is secured. The cable 87 is provided with a hook 88 at its outer end arranged to be attached to the eyes 57 of the props 35, and thus to move the props forwardly toward the frame 3 when the drum 86 is driven to wind the 'cable 87 thereon. The drum 86 is operated by a sleeve 89 mounted to rotate freely on the shaft 70 but arranged to be clutched thereto by aclutch 90. The

sleeve 89 is geared to the drum 86 by spur pin 79 carried by the pit- 9 wardly extending flange 62 is a rack 92 meshing with a pinion 93 carried by a shaft mounted in a bearing 9 secured to the platform 68. The pinion 93 is driven from the armature shaft of the motor 69 through worm earing secured in a casing 95 and controlled by a. hand clutch wheel 96. A larger hand wheel 97 is Secured directly to the shaft which carries the pinion 93 so that if desired the pinion 93 may be rotated directly by the hand wheel 97 when it is not clutched to the armature shaft of the motor 69. The clutch arrangement controlled by the hand wheel 96 is similar to that shown in Fig. 16. Current is supplied to the motor 69 through a. brush 98 which bears against a conductor 99 extending along the frame 3 and insulated therefrom as shown in Fig. 5.

The operation of the mechanism thus far described is as follows: The entries 2 are first driven and a cross entry at right angles to the entries 2 is driven across the number of pillars that it is desired to work at one time. The frame 3 is moved into the cross entry thus formed in knock-down condition and is assembled in place in the cross entry, the central conveyor 10 being arranged to discharge in the car 12 carried on the track 13. The props are placed in position in the rear of the frame 3. Where a series of sections 3 are to be operated simultaneously the frames are made of sulfi cient length to meet at the middle of the entries 2 at the end of the frame as indicated in Fig. 1. If but a single frame is being operated it is necessary to have a frame long enough to take care of the end props shown in broken lines in this view. The material is disconnected from the face of the pillars 1 in any desired manner either by hand or by machinery, according to the wishes of the operator. As the material is disconnected from the pillars it is placed on the conveyors 8 carried on the frame 3 and. rapidly transferred to the central conveyor 10 and discharged into the car 12. A sufficient number of operators are provided along the faceof the vein to supply the amount of material that the capacity of the conveyors. will take care of. lVhen the mining operation has progressed an amount to make it inconvenient to place the disconnected material on to the conveyors 8 the drums 19 are operated in a manner described for moving the frame 3 nearer the face of the mine vein. This will move the frame a short distance away from the line of props 35 and the operators on the movable platform 60 will begin to operate the mechanism carried by these platforms to shift the props forwardly toward the frame The operators may start at the central position and work toward the outer ends of the frame, the platform being moved along the frame 3 after each prop is adjusted by the rack and pinion mechanism 92 and 93. I

When the platform is brought to rest opposite one of the props the operatoropens the valve 55 and thus relieves the prop of the weight resting upon it. He next secures the hook 88 into the eye 57 and operates the drum 86 to draw the prop forwardly into its new position. He will then move the lever 82 to bring the pitman rod 7 3 into engagement with the plunger 16. If it so happens that the platform 60 is not accurately positioned relatively to the plunger he may adjust the position of the platform along the frame 3 by the hand wheel 97 to bring the pitman rod 73 into proper position to connect with the-plunger. The motor 69 is then operated to pump the liquid from the lower to the upper chamber in the mine prop and thus force the head of the prop again into engagement with the roof of the mine. This operation is renewed until the entire line of props is moved forwardly into the new position. It is usually desirable to provide. two of the movable platforms 60 in order that the entire line of props may be adjusted by the time the mining operation has progressed sufiiciently to require a second movement of the frame 3. It may, however, sometimes occur that a single platform 60 will be sufficient to adjust the line of props by the time it is desired to move the frame. As shown in Fig. 1 the section 67 of the platform 60 is located on the side of the section 68 toward the center of the frame 3. This arrangement of the two sections may be desirable where there is any obstruction at the ends of the frame 3, such as a side wall of a mine which would prevent clearance beyond the end mine prop. It might in some-cases be more convenient to arrange the section 67 on the opposite side of the section 68 where there is sufficient clearance at the ends of the frame 3 and where it is desirable to bring two platforms together at the central portion of the frame to begin action simultaneously.

In Figs. 13 to 17 inclusive, is shown a modified form of, the invention which is used in connection with a line of props similar to those shown in Fig. 1 where the frame 3 and conveyor 8 are not employed. In this form of the invention a platform 100 is provided whichrests upon the floor of the mine adj acent the line of mine supports and which is moved along the line of supports by cables 101 and 102 secured to anchor jacks 103 and 104 respectively located adjacent the ends of the travel of the frame 100. A motor 105 is mounted on the frame 100 and is supplied with current through a cable 106 arranged to be wound on a reel 107. The motor 105 is atwo-speed reversible motor governed by a controller 108 mounted upon the platform 100.

' The armature shaft ofthe motor drives a pinion 109 which meshes with a gear 110 secured to the shaft 111 mounted in bearings supported on the platform 100. The shaft 111 carries a pinion 112 which is secured thereto and which in turn meshes with gears 113 and 114. The gear 113 is secured tothe shaft 115 which extends longitudinally of the platform 100 and which is connected at its opposite ends with winding drums 116 and 117. through worm gearing enclosed in gear casings 11S and 119 respectively. The shafts 120 of the drums 116 and 117 are provided with worm wheels 121 (Fig. 16) which mesh with the worms on the shaft 115. The worm wheels 121 may be secured to the shaft 120 by a friction clutch 122 operated by hand wheels 123 and 124. The worms on the shaft 115 are so arranged that when both drums 116 and 117 are clutched to their respective worm wheels 121 the drums will so rotate that if the cable 101 is wound on a drum 116 the cable 102 will be simultaneously paid out from the drum 117 and vice versa. This will cause the platform 100'to travel baclcand'forth between the anchor jacks 103 and 104, the direction of movement depending upon the direction of rotation of the motor 105. In this way the platform may be positioned :relative to the line ofby a friction clutch 131 operated by a clutch lcver.132. When thenut .127 is rotated to force the spiked head 125 into contact with 'the roof of the mine it is evident that the platform 100 will be firmly held in fixed position to resist the stress brought upon the platform by the shifting of the .mine'props. The props are shifted by a hook 133 secured to the end of the cable 134 arranged to be wound on a drum 135 carried on a shaft 136 to which the gear 114 is secured. Theworm 135 may be clutched to the shaft 136 by a friction clutch controlled .by a hand wheel 137.

The shaft 111 is provided with an eccentric arranged to drive an eccentric strap 138 which operates the pitman rod 139 provided with a head 140 which may be connected with the plungers 46 of the mine props in a manner similar to that previously described. The pitman 139 is raised into and out of engagement with the plunger rods by a lever 141 having a roller 142 for contacting rod.

The operation of this form ofthe invention is similar to that of the form previusly described with the exception that no frame is provided for carrying the platform having the mechanism thereon for operating the mine props and no conveyor is provided for transporting the mined material.

This portable roof jack illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 and the mechanism for moving the conveyer apparatus shown in. Fig. 1 is described and claimed in my co-pending application, Serial No. 596,215, filed October 23, 1922, forportablefroof jack mechanism for mines, as a division of the present application.

I claim 1. In mining apparatus, the combination of a multiplicity of props arranged side by with the lower edge of thepitman side to form a continuous mine support between the fioor and roof of a mine chamber,

and mechanism arranged to be moved along said line of supports in said mine chamber for manipulating said props individually.

2. In mining apparatus, the combination with a multiplicity of extensible props arranged closely adjacent to each other to form a continuous lineof supports, and a device movable along such line of supports for extending said-props individually to new positions.

3. In mining apparatus, the combination of a multiplicity of props adapted to be located between the floor and roof of a mine chamber and arranged side by side to form a continuous line of supports between such floor and roof, and mechanism movable along said line of supports for individually shifting the positions of said props in the mine chamber.

4. In mining apparatus, the combination with a multiplicity of roof props adapted to be located between the floor and roof of a mine chamber and arranged side by side to form a continuous line of supports between such floor and roof, of mechanism movable along such line of supports for connection to each of said props individually for shifting the positions of said props successively, and means for anchoring said shifting mechanism in its various positions while moving a roof prop to a new location. I

5. In mining apparatus, the combination with a multiplicity of individually shiftable roof props adapted to be located between the floor and roof of the mine chamber closely adjacent to each other to form a line of supports, of mechanism for shifting said props individually, means for connecting said shifting mechanisms successively with said props to secure successive movement of said p'rops to'new locations, and means for anchoring saidshifting mechanism. against movement toward said line of supports at the various. positions of said shifting mechanism along such line of supports.

6. In mining apparatus, a multiplicity of props arranged side by side to form a continuous series of supports, an elongated frame arranged adjacent said line of supports, and a device movable along said frame for shifting said props to change the position of said line of supports.

7. In mining apparatus, a multiplicity of props arranged side by side to form a line of supports, an elongated frame positioned adjacent said line of supports, and a device arranged to be anchored to said frame at various positions thereon for shifting said props to adjust the position of said line of supports.

8. In mining apparatus, a multiplicity of props arranged side by side to form a line of supports, an elongated frame positioned adjacent said line of supports, shifting mechanism connected with said frame and InoV able therealong, means for successively connecting said shifting mechanism with said props to move said props toward said frame, and means for preventing movement of said frame under the force exerted thereon by said shifting mechanism.

9. In mining apparatus, an elongated frame arranged to be positioned in a mine chamber, mechanism carried by said frame and movable tlierealong for shifting objects within said chamber, and means for anchoring said frame for preventing movement thereof under the tension exerted thereon by said shifting mechanism.

10. In mining apparatus, a frame arranged to be positioned in a mine chamber adjacent the face of a mine vein, a plurality of props arranged in said chamber to form a line of supports on the side of said frame opposite the face of said vein, and a device connected to said frame to be braced thereby and arranged to be moved along said frame into position to manipulate said props.

11. In mining apparatus, a frame aranged tobe positioned along the face of a mine vein, conveyor mechanism carried by said frame for transferring the material severed from the face of said vein, a plurality of props arranged to form a line of supports adjacent said frame on the side thereof opposite the face of said vein, and means connected with said frame and movable therealong for shifting said props tochange the position of said line of supports.

12. In mining apparatus, a frame arranged to be positioned in a mine chamber adjacent the face of a mine vein to be worked, means for shifting said frame toward said face as the material is removed from said face, means for anchoring said frame in its adjusted positions, mine props arranged adjacent said frame, and means connected with said frame for shifting the position of said props.

1.3. In mining apparatus, aframe arranged to be positioned in a mine chamber adjacent the face of a mine vein, conveyor mechanism mounted on said frame for transferring the material disconnected from said vein, means for shifting-the position of said frame in a mine chamber, means for anchoring said frame in its adjusted positions, a plurality of mine props arranged adjacent said frame on the side thereof opposite said mine vein, and mechanism mounted on said frame and movable therealong for shifting said props to change the position of the line of supports formed thereby as said frame is shifted in said mine chamber.

II. In mining apparatus, a main frame arranged to be positioned along the face of a mine vein, conveyor mechanism carried by said frame for transporting the material sevcred from the face of said vein toward loading position, means for moving said frame toward the face of said vein and for holding said fame against movement in the opposite direction, a plurality of props arranged to form a line of support along the side of said frame opposite the face of a vein, and mechanism carried by said frame and movable therealong for operating said props and for drawing said props toward said frame to shift the line of support formed by said prop.

15. In mi ning apparatus, a frame arranged to be positioned along the face of a mine vein, means for periodically shifting said frame toward same vein as the work of removing the material from the face of said vein progresses, a plurality of props arranged to form a line of support adjacent said frame, and means connected with said frameand movable therealong, said means being operable to shift said props to change the position of said line of supportduring the periods between the movements of said frame toward the face of said vein.-

16. In mining apparatus, a frame arranged to be positioned adjacent a line of operation in :a mine, a line of props arranged adjacent said frame for supporting the roof of a mine, aplatform supported on said frame and movable therealong to bring said platform adjacent said props successively, and mechanism mounted on said platform for manipulating said props.

17. In mining apparatus, the combination with a plurality of portable mine props adapted to be located adjacent one another to form a line of supports between the floor and roof of the mine chamber, of a supporting frame arranged to be moved along said line of supports to bring said supporting frame successively into positions adjacent said props, mechanism carried by said supporting frame and arranged to be connected to said props for shifting said props one after another into positions adjacent said frame, and means also carried by said frame for operating said props individually when adjacent said frame.

18. In mining apparatus, a plurality of props arranged to be positioned side by side to form a line of support, means for vertically expanding said props to force the ends thereof against the roofof a mine chamber, a frame-work movable along the line of support formed by said props, means for anchoring said frame-work in various positions along said line, and mechanism carried by said frame-Work for operating said prop-expanding means.

19. In. mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props arranged side by side to form a line of support for a mine roof, means for forcing the ends of said supports upwardly into contact with'the roof of a mine chamber, a frame-work movablealong said line of support, means for anchoring said framework in various positions along said line. mechanism carried by said frame-work and arranged to be connected with said supports to operate the expanding mechanism of said supports, and mechanism carried by said frame-work for shifting the positions of said props for moving the line of support I formed thereby.

20. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props arranged sideby side to form a line of support for a mine roof, mechanism for expanding said props toforce the upper ends thereof into contact with the roof of'a mine chamber, a platform arranged to be moved along the line of support formed by said props, means for anchoring said platform in various positions along said line of support, mechanism carried by said platform for shifting said props, one at a time, to change-the position of the line of support formed thereby, and means carried by said platform for operating the expanding mechanism of said props after the props are moved to a new position.

21. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props arranged side by side to form a line of support for a mine roof, reciprocating mechanism for expanding said props to force the upper ends thereof into contact with the roof of a mine chamber, a platform movable along the line of support formed by said props, means for anchoring said platform in various positions along said line, mechanism carried by said platform for reciprocating the expanding mecha- 'nism of said props, and means carried by said platform for exerting force upon said props to shift said props to change the position of said line of support.

22. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props in position to form a line of support for a mine roof, mechanism for expanding said props to cause said props to exert upward pressure on the roof of a mine chamber, a frame arranged to be moved along the line formed by said props, means for anchoring said frame to various positions along said line, mechanism carried by said frame for operating the expanding mechanism of said props, and power means carried by said frame for shifting said props successively into a position to form a new line of support.

23. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props arranged in position to form a line-of support for a mine roof, a platform arranged to be moved along the line formed by said props, means for anchoring said platform in various positions along its line of movement, a motor carried by said platform, reciprocating mechanism carried by said platform and arranged to be connected with said props to operate said props, a drum arranged to be driven by said motor, a cable carried bysaid drum, and means for sucwith said props.

25. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props arranged in position to form a line ofsupport for a mine roof, an elongated frame arranged to be positioned along the line formed by said props, a trackway carried by said frame, a platform mounted for movement along said trackway, means carried bysaid platform for operating said props to cause expansion thereof, and means carried by said-platform for shifting the position of said props.

26. In mining apparatus, a plurality oft,

mine props arranged sideby side to form a line of support for a mine roof, an.elongated frame arranged adjacent the lineof support formed by said props, a trackway extending along said frame, a car mounted on said trackway and movable therealong, means carried by said car fon-opera'ting said props to cause expansion thereof, means carried by said car for shifting said props,

and means mounted on said car for moving said'caralong said frame.

27. In mining apparatus, a plurality of props arranged to ,form a line of support adjacent the face of a mine vein to be worked, an elongated frame positioned between said line of support and the face of" said frame.

said vein, a conveyor mounted on said frame for transferring the material severed from said vein, means for shifting the position of said frame toward said vein and .for pre venting the movement of said frame in the opposite direction, a track extending longitudinally of said frame, a car mounted on said track for movement therealong, and mechanism carried by said car for operating said props and for shifting the positions thereof toward said frame.

28. In mining apparatus, a plurality of ried by said car for operating said jacks to force the ends thereof into contact with the roof of a mine chamber, and mechanism carried-by said car for shifting said props to ward the face of said mine vein.

29. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mineprops-arranged to form a line of support adjacent the face of a mine vein, a frame extending along the face of said vein and between said vein and said props, conveyor mechanism carried by said frame for transferring the material severed from said vein,means for shifting saidframe toward said vein from time to time and'for preventing movement of said frame in the opposite direction, a track carried by said frame on the side thereof adjacent said props, a car mounted on said track and movable thereon along the line of support formed by said props, means carried by said track for resisting movement of said car toward said props, and means mounted on said car for exerting tension on said props to shift the position of said props toward 30. In mining apparatus, a plurality of props arranged side by side to form a line' of support for a mine roof adjacent the face of a mine vein to be worked, an elongated frame positioned between said props and the face of said vein, means for anchoring said frame, a track carried by said frame,

car mounted on said track and movable frame. and means for holding said car from .m'ovement away from said frame toward sa d props.

3 1. In mining apparatus, a plurality of props arranged side by side to form a line of support for a mine roof adjacent the face of a mine vein to be worked, an elongated frame positioned between said props and the face of said vein, conveyor mechanism I mounted on said frame for transferring the material severed from said vein, means for anchoring said frame in adjusted positions, a trackmountedon said frame, a car mounted on said track and movable thereon into positions adjacent said-props, a motor carmeans for connecting said drum with said props to move said props toward said frame to shift the line of support formed by said props.

32. In mining apparatus, the combination with a frame, of a track mounted on said frame, a multiplicity of individual roof props, means connected to said track for shifting said roof props individually and operating said roof props after being shifted, and a platform connected to said means and extending alon said frame rearwardly of the direction of movement of said means 33. In mining apparatus, the combination with a track, of a traveling frame connected thereto, means mounted on said frame for shifting a series of roof jacks individually, and a platform adapted to be connected on either one side or another of said frame to Cir extend rearwardly' from the direction of mqvement thereof.

34. In mining apparatus, a frame having a track extending therealong, and a car mounted on said track at one side of said.

at the Side thereof adjacent said supports,

a car mounted on said track and positioned on the side of said frame adjacent said supports, said car comprising a platform having two sections, and mechanism mounted on one of said sections for operating said supports, the other of said sections being separably connected with said first section and arranged to. be positioned on either of.

the two opposite sides of said first-mentioned section extending at right angles to saidtrack.

In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props arranged side by side to form a props are so placed, and mechanism movline of support for a mine roof, operating mechanismfor said props arranged to be brought into alinement when said props are so placed, and means movable along the line.

of'support and arranged to be successively connected with said operating mechanism to operate said props, a

37. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props arranged side by side to form a lineof support for a mine roof, operating mechanism carried by said props near the base thereof andarranged to be brought into alinement with one another when the able along the line of support formed by said props for successively co-operatingwithsaid operating devices to operate said props.

3-8. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine props, operating mechanlsmconnected with said props and extending laterally from the base thereof and arranged'to be brought into alinement when saidprops are placed side by side to form a line of support for-a mine roof, a driving device for said props, and means for moving said driv ing device along the line of support formed by said props to bring saiddriving device successively in the position to be connected with the operating mechanism of said props. 89. In mining'apparatus, a plurality of mine props, a reciprocating plunger extend- -ing laterally fromthe base of each of said props for operating said prop, said plungers being arranged to be brought into alinement when said props are arranged sideby side to form a line of support for a mine roof,

and driving mechanism movable along. the lineof support formed by said props to bring said mechanism into positions to be successively connected with said operating plungers to operate said props.

40. In mining apparatus, 'a plurality of mine props having substantlally,hor lzontal plunger-s arranged adjacent the base of said props for causing expansion thereof, valves for releasing the liquid in said props to permit contraction thereof, and a common means arranged to be successively movable.

into co-operative position relative to said props to operate said plungers. f,

41. In mining apparatus, a plurality of props for supporting the roof of a mine chamber, a platform, means for moving said platform successively into operative position relative to said props, mechanism carried by said platform for operating said props, and a pitman driven by said operating mechanism and-arranged to be moved into-and out 'of connection with said mine props.

42. In mining apparatus, a plurality o mine props having plungersconnected with the base portion thereof for operating said props, said plungers being arranged to, be

said mine props.

43. mining apparatus, a pluralityof props arranged side'by side to form a linebrought into alinement with one another when said props are placed side by side to .form a'line of support for a mine chamber,

a platform movable along said lineof-support, and,a reciprocating device carried by platform and movable into and out of connectlon with said plungers to operate of support for a mine roof, an elongated frame positioned along said line of support, atrack carried by said frame, a car mounted oirsaid track, means carried by said car for separately operating said props, and driving mechanism carried by said frame and car for moving said car along said frame to bring.

said driving mechanism successively into op erative positions relative to said props.-

44. In min ng apparatus, a plurality of mine props arranged side by side to form a line of support for a mine roof, a frame arranged adjacent said line of support, a track extending along said frame, a car mounted on said track and movable'therealong, mechanism carried by said car for operating said props, a rack mounted on said-frame, and a pinion carried bysaid car and arranged to mesh with, said rackto move said car along said frame to successively move said operating mechanism into co-operating position [relative to said props.

45 In mining apparatus, the combination with a supportingframe, of a winding drum mounted on said frame, a hydraulic roof prop, a rope connected to said drum and wound thereon,the free end of said rope be 'ing adapted to be connected to. said roof prop, a motor mounted on said frame, driv with a supporting frame, ofahydraulic roof jack spaced from said frame, means mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to said roof jack to effect shifting of the latter to a position adjacent said frame, and

means mounted on said frame in position to be connected to said hydraulic roof ack for operating the latter to anchor the same between the floor and roof of a m ne chamber when said roof jack is adjacent said frame.

47; In mining apparatus, the combination with an anchoring device adapted to rest on the floor of a mine chamber by gravity in an upright position, of hauling mechanism adapted to be connected to said anchoring I device and shift the position of the latter, a

frame for supporting said hauling mechanism, operatmg mechanism for said anchor? ing device partly on said frame, and partly on "said anchoring device, 'and means for -render1ng said operating means operative for securing said anchoring device in anchored position when .the latter is in a predetermined relation to said frame.

48-. In mining apparatus, the combination with a stationary frame, of asupplemental frame connected to said stationary frame and guided along the same, a series of an choring devices adapted to be placed in substantial alinement and in parallelism with said stationary frame 'wliile spaced therefrom, hauling mechanism carried by said supplemental frame and movable therewith along said main frame into positions.

for successive connection with said anchoring devices to move them one after another toward said main frame into anew alinement substantially parallel, to said main frame, and means carried by said supplemental frame for operating each of said anchoring devices one after-another after being moved into such new alinement.

49. In mining apparatus, the combination with an elongated main frame adapted to occupy a stat1onary position spaced from the upright face of the mine-wall, of a series of hydraulic roof props spaced from that side of said main frame remote from themine wall and adapted to occupy alined positions substantially parallel to said main frame and said mine wall, a supplemental frame guided along that side of said main frame remote from the mine wall and adjacent the said roof props, hauling mechanism carried by said supplemental frame and adapted to be connected to each of said roof props successively to move the latter towardthe mine wall to new alinedpositions', a pump carried by each of said hydraulic roof props,

51. In mining apparatus, a plurality of nine roof props arranged side by side to form a continuous line of supports, and a device movable along said line of supports for shifting the positions of said props individua'lly.

52. In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine roof props arranged side by side to nism along said line.

form a continuous line of supports, a device movable along said line of supports for.

shifting the position of said 'props, one at a time, and means for anchoring said shifting device in its various positions along said line.

In mining apparatus, a plurality of mine roof props arranged side by side to "form a continuous line of supports, mechanism for shifting said props singly and arranged for movement along said line of supports, means for connecting said shifting mechanism successively with-said props, and means for anchoring said shifting mechanism against movement toward said line at the various positions of said shiftingmecha- 54, In mining apparatus, a

tioned adjacent one another to form a continuous line of support, a frame-work a'rranged to be moved along said. line of supports to bring said frame-work successively into positions adjacent said roof supports, and mechanism carried by said frame-Work and arranged .to. be connected with said supports for manipulating them, one at a time, to new positions.

In mining apparatus, thecombmation of a plurality of props, and mechanism com-- prising a separate stationary frame for moving said props into position to form a series of supports.

56. In mining apparatus, the combination with an extensible prop, of track mounted mechanism for shifting said prop-to a new location, and mechanism for'operating said prop to secure the" same in position after being moved to its new location.

57. In mining apparatus, the combination with a frame, of a.ro0f,prop spaced from said "frame, means mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to said roof prop to effect the shifting of the latter to' a position near said frame, and means operable upon the said prop reachinga"predetermined position relative to said frame for effecting the anchoring of said prop between the fioor and roof of a mine chamber.

58. In miningapparatus, thecombination with an anchoring device of hauling mechanism adapted to be connected to said anchoring-device and shift the position of the latter, and mechanism operable upon theanchoring device reaching a predeter mined position relative to said hauling mechanism for securing said anchoring device in anchored position. I

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, on this 15th day.

of June A. D. 1916. p

EDl /IUND C. MORG-l'Lh.

plurality of mine roof supports arranged to be posi-- 

